Discussion post #5

[Chester Hunter]

Israelis tend to be blunt, brash, and quick tempered. Obviously that is a generalization, but it is something most people notice when speaking and getting to know them. At this stage I think it would be hard to answer the question of whether this has anything to do with their language. It is at least funny that Hebrew as a modern spoken language was made in a hurry, and tends to be a simple, rapid manner of communication rather than a language like Japanese where you have to say a lot to mean a little. Hebrew goes straight to the point, and does away with complicated conjugations or grammatical rules in favor of guttural pronunciation and a plethora of swear words. One funny example of Israeli bluntness can be heard on weekends when my language partner is at her house. During a break, sometimes I will her yell at her mother downstairs to get her a glass of water. The sentence (and sentiment) could be translated something like "mom! water now!" In response I will hear similar yelling coming from downstairs but I can't quite make that out. Of course, a sentence like that sounds pretty rude to American ears, but when asked about it, she just said she thinks it is normal. In her words, Israelis in general don't see the point of using words like please and thank you since getting what you need is more important than superficial manners. As such a young country, that has fought an existential war almost every single decade since it's inception, this cultural facet makes me wonder if the overwhelming national sense of urgency and emergency has contributed to this linguistic and cultural mannerism.